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Wicked Local Newton: Newton houses of worship reach out to youth to grow numbers

With dwindling attendance at religious services among young adults in the U.S., according to data from the Pew Research Center, the topic of church revitalization remains a concern at many houses of worship. Data from the Pew Research Center’s “Religious Landscape Study,” indicates nationally, attendance among young adults in their 20s and 30s, is low. In addition, according to the same study, Massachusetts and New Hampshire are tied as the least devout states in the U.S.

Rev. Gretchen Grimshaw of the Episcopal Parish of St. Paul, said via email that although “Sunday attendance is generally waning in mainline churches across the country and especially New England, ... the folks who choose to change the world through church are totally committed and not here just out of duty or convenience. And that is a serious silver lining!”

Grimshaw speculated one of the reasons attendance numbers are low is because people now have more options and obligations on Sundays. She noted that, “things that were once available primarily through churches - like outreach and charitable giving and spiritual education and enlightenment - are now available in many other forms and through many other outlets.”